Renton Lands 737 MAX Production

It’s official: The future of Boeing’s 737 MAX will take shape in Renton.

The Boeing Company announced on Wednesday that it intends to build the new 737 MAX in Renton. The announcement hinges on the pending approval of an early contract extension with the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), which represents hourly employees in Washington, Oregon and Kansas.

“Congratulations to the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers and the Boeing Company for their selfless, forward-thinking attitude during contract negotiations and today’s decision to build the 737 MAX in the Puget Sound," said Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon.

“We recognize that this contract is not without its sacrifices, and I applaud the women and men of the IAM for making those sacrifices to protect the future of aerospace in Washington State. I also thank the Boeing Company for its good-faith, responsible negotiations.

“Today’s agreement signals the evolution of a stronger partnership between the two—one that is rooted in mutual respect and a continued recognition that Boeing and its workers make the best airplanes in the world.”

The 737 MAX, designed as the super-efficient new generation of Boeing's most successful commercial aircraft ever, is expected to enter service in 2017, according to Boeing.